title: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: role of a surface protein in the attachment organelle.
abstract: Attachment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae to host cell by means of a specialized terminus initiates infection. Monoclonal antibodies to a surface protein (Pl) inhibit this process, and react with a region of the tip covered with peplomer-like particles. Since antibodies against the Pl protein are generated by natural and experimental infection and by immunization, the substance may be an important determinant of protective immunity.
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines